Boil the above ingredients for 5 minutes. Let cool.
Bread
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour four 4" x 8" loaf pans.
Combine the spice mixture with the walnuts, maraschino cherries, raisins, gumdrops and eggs. Mix well by hand. Add baking powder, baking soda and flour. Mix until blended.
Bake for 35 - 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in bread comes out clean. (This can also be made in a greased tube pan and baked for 60- 70 minutes.